Reporter Weighs-in on 2015 Mayor's Race

A year from today will mark the official start of the 2015 race for Niagara Falls mayor.

In the grand tradition of American politics, the race will launch the day after Labor Day and conclude on the evening of Election Day, the first Tuesday in November.

Politics is tricky to predict from one day to the next, let alone one year in advance, but the Reporter is going to go where angels fear to tread and set the stage for the 2015 race for Niagara Falls' top elected office.

Paul Dyster

Paul Dyster

Paul Dyster is the two-term incumbent and he must be seen as the front-runner just for that reason.

He'll also have plenty of funding. His Buffalo supporters have already opened their checkbooks.

Some of these supporters may be the same ones who set him up in 2007 with the Building a Better Niagara Fund, an anonymous donors' fund that was to pay a portion of Dyster appointees' salaries. It was later canceled by the council for transparency reasons.

As Dyster campaigns, he will almost certainly point to the number of roads paved, his courthouse, his train station and his "big vision" Niagara Falls.

Challengers might rebut that the courthouse ran over budget, many of the paved roads appear to have been hurriedly done since they are crumbling in less than four years, and certainly no one can say, overall, that the roads in Niagara Falls are anywhere near good.

As for the train station, it will most assuredly be a white elephant.

And as for his "big vision," that of Hamister Hotels, Wonderfalls, the Experience Center, and other big, government-subsidized projects, most have not been accomplished and are still in the planning stages, although one, the Culinary Institute, has opened on Old Falls St.

With the media supporting him, with his allegiance to Albany interests, which means statewide elected officials will come to town and endorse him, and with his coterie of Buffalo businessmen behind him, he'll be difficult to defeat.

Apropos of the latter, 19 of his last 42 contributions came from donors who live outside of Niagara Falls, most of them from Erie County. These make up 47.5 percent of money donated so far for his 2015 candidacy.

This translates to the curious fact that already about half the people supporting Dyster don't live here, but somehow have an interest in seeing him elected. And we are still a year away.

Glenn Choolokian

Glenn Choolokian

Glenn Choolokian is the anti-Dyster. He is also a likely Dyster challenger.

"I am definitely considering running for mayor," Choolokian told the Reporter. "Many people have stopped me when I am out in the public and called me at home to ask me if I am running for mayor. And they always end up saying 'I hope you run because it's time for someone to be mayor who cares about the residents of Niagara Falls."

Choolokian is a Democrat. Consequently he would have to challenge Dyster in a primary that may see more than two candidates running.

He will likely get zero support from the City Democratic Committee where he is viewed as too independent.

The veteran council member is down to earth, transparent, honest to a fault, conscientious and approachable, many of the things Dyster is accused of not being.

Choolokian will not have the funding Dyster will have and probably will not get any donations from outside Niagara Falls, since these almost always come with (implied) strings attached. After all, why would someone from Buffalo contribute to the mayor's race in Niagara Falls if they aren't looking for something?

Choolokian will probably also not have the media support Dyster enjoys.

If Choolokian needs role models, he might look to the late mayors, Richard Daly of Chicago, Frank Rizzo of Philadelphia and James Griffin of Buffalo, all of whom were grassroots mayors the public grew to value and respect for their straightforward approach to government.

"I have been telling everyone that, if it looks like I could help the families of Niagara Falls, than I will run," Choolokian said.

Robert Restaino

Robert Restaino

Former City Judge Robert Restaino, the well-known Falls native, ran for the state assembly in 2012 and lost, but carried the city handily over the popular incumbent John Ceretto.

During the last election cycle, he staged a "get out and vote" dinner at the Como Restaurant. It was attended by a who's who of Niagara Falls residents. Restaino looked more like a candidate than a cheerleader for voting.

State Sen. George Maziarz thought so highly of Restaino, a Democrat, that before Maziarz's sudden departure from the political scene this summer, Maziarz was said to be considering giving Restaino the Republican Party nomination. With the Republican nomination, along with his Democratic popularity, Restaino could finish first.

Some cynical observers have said that Dyster may offer Restaino the corporation counsel or city administrator post to get him out the race. We mention this in its place, not suggesting that it will be offered or accepted.

The Reporter recently asked Restaino about the possibility of his running. He gave us a strict "no comment at this time," answer.

Robert Anderson

Robert Anderson

Since he was first elected 11 years ago, city Councilman Bob Anderson has donated every penny of his city earnings to charity. Aside from his .council colleague, Kristen Grandinetti, and the sitting mayor, it seems, no one who knows him doesn't like him.

He gets mobbed at public events like a rock star. He has been the highest vote getter in any race he has entered.

In 2011, when he ran for council and Dyster ran for mayor, Anderson garnered 3,000 more votes than Dyster.

When asked if he would run, Anderson said he has not ruled it out.

"If I do run, I will try something that, as far as I know, has never been done in this city's history. I won't have any fund raisers. I'm not for sale. That's all and I've proved it for 72 years," he said.

If he runs, Anderson would likely get every black vote, and every veteran.

Apropos of the latter, consider: He enlisted in the US Air Force in 1960. He retired as a master sergeant. Stationed in Italy, Greece, Germany, Spain, the Philippines, Lowry, Colo., Langley Va. and Niagara Falls - Anderson was awarded the US Air Force Meritorious Service medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Force Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, The Air Force Good Conduct Medal with six Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, the Air Force Longevity Service Award ribbon with four Oak Leaf Clusters, and the NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon with one Oak Leaf Cluster and won the US Air Force Small Arms Expert Marksmanship ribbon (in 1965.)

He will also probably get most of the white vote as well. In a three way Democratic primary for mayor, he would be almost impossible to beat.

What may work against Anderson's candidacy is his health. Anderson suffered a stroke 14 years ago and is lame in one leg and his left arm is nearly immobile. But his mind is lucid and his record of integrity is sterling.

Dyster, Choolokian, Restaino and Anderson are Democrats. If they run, they would vie for the Democratic nomination in a primary race.

John Accardo

John Accardo

On the Republican side, John Accardo, a respected local businessman and the man who upset 10-year incumbent Francine Del Monte in the state assembly primary, may be tossing his hat into the ring. The longtime Democrat reportedly changed his affiliation to Republican recently in preparation for a run for mayor. The one time councilman and unsuccessful mayoral candidate and ultimately unsuccessful assembly candidate appears dead-set on making his way back to public office. Whether he can capture the mayor's office after switching parties in this very Democratic town remains to be seen.

Vince Anello

Vince Anello

Vince Anello – yes, the former mayor – has talked about making the run, possibly switching to the Republican Party. People can say what they want about Anello, but even his enemies admit he was always accessible to the public and always did his homework. He knows city government, the budget process and how the sausage is made in the factory. He served his jail sentence, never complained and has moved forward with his life.

When contacted by the Reporter, Anello, 68, said, "Certainly the fire is still in the belly, but my biggest consideration will be my family. Honestly I don't want to shut the door. I still have a great desire for public service."

America loves a comeback story. If Vince makes his move, will Niagara Falls give him a second chance?

Rumors and long shots…

Charles Walker

Charles Walker

Charles Walker, the 17-year veteran of the City Council, is rumored to be a possible candidate. However we don't know if it's Walker spreading those rumors or if the rumors are being encouraged by a couple of local businessmen who have decided that eight years of Paul Dyster is enough.

Sources tell us that the once close Dyster and Walker are not so close anymore and that Walker may be ready to compete with his former pal in the tradition of "may the best man win".

While Walker could point to his hoary council career (he's served so long in that part-time position he will receive lifetime health insurance courtesy of taxpayers) as proof of his political skills.

Critics say no one can name a single thing of note Walker has done in his 17 years as a council member.

We would ask Walker directly about his plans to run, but his policy is not to return calls from the Reporter. We ask too tough questions.

Shawn Weber

Shawn Weber

Reliable sources tell us that Wine on Third owner, Shawn Weber, the recipient of numerous city loans courtesy of NFC Chairman Paul Dyster, has openly spoken of his desire to be the next Niagara Falls mayor. While the savvy businessman has many investments in the city, he lives in Youngstown and would have to move to Niagara Falls. He could do that by moving into his own apartment complex, the Jefferson Apartments, where several out-of-town Dyster administration department heads have moved to establish city residency.

Maybe a businessman, who made it in the private sector, is precisely the sort of mayor this city needs.

Seth Piccirillo

Seth Piccirillo

Seth Piccirillo is the symbol of youth in Niagara Falls politics, and could step into the mayoral race, promising a vision hospitable to young people. This might be attractive to seniors also since everyone in this city has family members who have left for greener pastures, where taxes are lower, and where government is not socialist.

His intelligence, debate skills and intrepidity would make him a great candidate.

The problem is Piccirillo has in the past supported ideas that are clearly socialistic, apparently with a belief that government must solve all problems for all people - even if it enables some people to be chronically dependent, while overburdening taxpayers.

Piccirillo got his present $70,000 job as director of community development through Dyster which might make it hard for him to run against his padrone.

But some say Piccirillo has that "lean and hungry look" that might make him capable of sneaking up on a faltering Dyster and take his office out from under him - especially if it becomes apparent sometime next year that Dyster is either not electable or if Dyster gets that long coveted $100,000 plus state appointment from Gov. Cuomo, his reward for blindly obeying all of Cuomo's orders regarding the Falls, many of which, in our opinion, were Albany's gain and Niagara Falls' loss.

Getting back to Piccirillo, Dyster could ensure his non entry into the race by giving him the job of city administrator, a position which, actually, might be a very good fit.

Johnny Destino

Johnny Destino

Should attorney and school board member, Johnny Destino fail to win the race for state senate this November, he could make a second run for mayor, having made the first in 2011. Underfunded and running on the Republican line, Destino came within 700 votes of unseating the well-funded Democrat Dyster.

Everyone was surprised at the remarkably close race. Destino said that, had the Republicans supported him, he would have won.

If he ran again against Dyster, Destino would have to oppose him in the Democratic primary since Destino changed party affiliation from Republican to Democrat.

When contacted by the Reporter, Destino declined to discuss anything other than his current race.

"I am fully committed to running for state senator this year, since most of our problems are caused by Albany," he said.

Robert Russell

Robert Russell

City native Robert Russell has announced for mayor, having written a letter to the editor to the Reporter several weeks ago outlining what he said would be his write-in candidacy. Russell seems well-intended and sincere, if a little naïve, but stranger things have happened in politics.

"I'm currently a collections agent," he told the Reporter. "Before that I worked for 7-11. Before that I was unemployed for over a year. And before that I was doing call center work. I feel that a lack of political experience, but a wealth of life experience and common sense, with a bit of a backbone thrown in, is what will make me a good mayor."

You never know, his candidacy could take off. Well-intended and sincere are qualities sometimes seen as sorely lacking in Niagara Falls politics.

Sal Paonessa

Sal Paonessa

Then there's the perennial possible mayoral candidate - Sal Paonessa - of whom we aren't sure if he's in the race, out of the race or maybe out of his mind… just kidding Sal. The likable and popular retired city police officer has his own internet talk show and is known to promote his mayoral candidacy every four years but to date has never pulled the trigger (no pun intended).

This year he seems more serious.

"I'm considering it," Paonessa told the Reporter. "I'm receiving many calls and emails encouraging my candidacy. Some are saying 'don't bother because you're not going to beat Dyster.' But I can't hang my hat on what great thing he's done or why I can't be triumphant.

"I have nothing personal with the mayor, but I don't agree with many of his policies and I am not sure he identifies with the average person in Niagara Falls. I'm very interested in a possible run."

Paonessa added he is thinking of switching political affiliations. He is a Democrat. The local City Democratic Committee however requires strict obedience and the independent-minded Paonessa would never get their support.

Paonessa declined to say which party he would consider, but if he switched to a minor party, and there was a robust Republican challenger, Paonessa might be the wild card that emerges triumphant.

"If I do run," he said, "I want to run an unconventional campaign. I am seriously considering it. And I will make a decision shortly."

Having named the above, we want to close out with a few names that we call "maybe," "could be" and "never saw it coming" candidates, all of whom, based on their popularity, skills and name recognition, could make a serious run should they choose to embark upon it.

Candra Thomason

Candra Thomason

A former council member and Republican candidate against Dyster in 2007, Candra Thomason is no shrinking violet. She knows the local political ropes and is better looking than the mayor as well.

When contacted by the Reporter, Thomason acknowledged that, as a Republican, it would be an uphill battle.

When asked if she would consider running, she declined comment.

Renae Kimble

Renae Kimble

A veteran of the county's political trenches, Renae can more than handle herself on a debate floor or in a caucus room. She's been mentioned repeatedly as a mayoral candidate.

When contacted by the Reporter she said, "I am flattered that people consider me as possible candidate and there have been many who have spoken to me about it as well.

"I do think that Niagara Falls is in a transitional period and whoever is the next mayor has a serious amount of work to do to better the quality of life for the residents of Niagara Falls. At this point, all I can say is that I am flattered that people are considering me as a possible mayoral candidate."

Ken Hamilton

Ken Hamilton

The loquacious former sailor, radio talk show host, newspaper columnist and website administrator would certainly not be one who hesitates to tell you what he really thinks. The only problem we can see is that his annual State of the City addresses might have to be broken up and delivered over a period of several days.

All kidding aside, Ken Hamilton has a keen sense of what's wrong with the city, he transcends race, and has a "pull yourself up by your own bootstraps mentality" that this city needs.

Pointing to the ubiquitous not-for- profits in the city, he has said that "these are enablers of non- accomplishment. They exist to make people needy and keep them needy."

Alicia Laible

Alicia Laible

Alicia Laible, the headstrong, attractive, 31-year-old social worker is the chairman of the City Democratic Committee and she was, we are told, the person who ordered council members Kristen Grandinetti and Walker to fire Kevin Ormsby as council secretary. She wields tremendous clout in the party and insiders tell us she may decide to take a run for mayor instead of council next year. She lost her bid for council three years ago when Glenn Choolokian bested her in a close Democratic primary race that saw fewer than 250 votes separate the two candidates

Craig Touma

Craig Touma

Some folks are speculating that the man behind the Dyster curtain -- Craig Touma was Dyster's campaign manager -- may want to step out front and seek the top city office. Touma's wife, Diane Vitello, is a current city judge, and they could become Niagara Falls' first legitimate political power couple if Touma grabs Dyster's job.

George Satarian

George Satarian

More commonly thought of as a campaign contributor, this businessman could make a move if the stars align. A move from the junkyard to Niagara Falls City Hall wouldn't be that much of a change, after all.

As for name recognition, his might compete with the mayor's. Every one knows 'Jungle' George Satarian.

Guy Bax

Guy Bax

Hey, it could happen. Guy Bax is well thought of and well versed in city government. He knows where the bodies are buried and could give fits to Dyster as he seeks a third term.

Dennis Virtuoso

Dennis Virtuoso

Dennis Virtuoso – is believed to be ready to retire to Las Vegas any day now to be closer to his ailing mother. Others aren't so sure about his retirement talk and say the county legislator of more than two decades may stick around his hometown and run for mayor.

He's a close associate of Paul Dyster but friendships come and go in politics.

When reached in Las Vegas last weekend, where he flew in to care for his mother, Virtuoso said, "I would not be interested in running for mayor at this time."

Kristen Grandinetti

Kristen Grandinetti

She's only into the second year of her second term but we hear some Buffalo movers and shakers see the darling of Western New York Planned Parenthood as a popular and logical choice for Niagara Falls' mayor. She might be willing to leave her public school teaching position, since she applied two years ago for the job of principal at Niagara Catholic High School.

While the Reporter has criticized Grandinetti roundly over the years, we admire her outspokenness on controversial topics she cares passionately about. The Reporter wishes other politicians would be as candid.

John Gross

John Gross

John Gross would certainly be a dark horse in the race.

"The Plumber" – as he is affectionately known to some representatives of the federal government – has often been referred to as the Robin Hood of Niagara Falls, stealing from the rich to give to the poor and downtrodden. As such, he is wildly popular amongst the local populace and could give Dyster, or anyone else, a serious run for their money.

Literally.

As for a campaign concept: While Gross may steal from the rich to give to the poor, Dyster taxes the poor and middle class to give to the rich Buffalo businessmen and developers.

Gross' felony convictions might disqualify his candidacy. Absent his obtaining a "Waiver of Deficiencies" obtained by the federal court, he would not be legally qualified to run.

Sam Fruscione

Sam Fruscione

Not that he has any sort of axe to grind, but the media / Buffalo money/ Dyster crony campaign mounted against the well-liked former city council chairman simply because he had the gall to question the land giveaway that accompanied the Hamister hotel hoax was unprecedented. With three television stations, two daily newspapers and politicians from U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer to Gov. Andrew Cuomo to Dyster arrayed against him, the popular Pine Ave. regular didn't stand a chance.

Will he have his revenge?

This week is the first week of September. Let's see how this column shapes up one year to this day.